Tears, pride, and love: audience reviews of the musical and poetic performance "Sisters"

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On January 29, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted a repeat showing of the musical and poetic performance "Sisters." The idea for the script was conceived by documentarian and poet Olesya Shigina during a trip to the frontlines and the home front. The production is based on real stories of mothers, wives, and sisters of participants in the Special Military Operation, as well as the soldiers themselves. The project is being implemented with the support of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives. The performance left no audience member indifferent.

"I really enjoyed the performance; it was very well staged. And, of course, the emotions were overwhelming. A serious topic was raised, and I am in awe. It’s even difficult to put into words right now — the topic is heavy. But I am in awe," shared Yekaterina Rusyaikina. 

"I really enjoyed this performance. I experienced a full range of emotions. When a new story was told, tears welled up in my eyes. I tried not to cry," shared Karina Navruzova.

"Today, I learned how to cry 'inwardly.' For the first time. My emotions were overwhelming. I didn’t want to express them outwardly — I’m generally a more reserved person emotionally. But today, I tilted my head back so the tears would not fall. For me, it was a direct hit to the soul," emphasized Ildar Burmatov. 

"After the performance, my emotions were quite strong and very heavy. Because in such a difficult moment, you realize that not everything is as cheerful as it seems in everyday life. You understand that somewhere else, things are entirely different from what we see. The emotions are very heavy, and I feel that, in such moments, everything should be united. There should be no disagreements, quarrels, or resentments. Everyone should stay close to one another and love each other so that there’s no separation. My emotions are very mixed, but mostly sorrowful," noted Nikita Pits. 

"The performance tears the soul apart. It’s impossible not to cry. Thank you for telling the stories of real men — heroes, kind sons of our Fatherland, and indescribably beautiful wives, mothers, and sisters! I’m proud that we have such loving, faithful, and courageous wives, mothers, and sisters, and that we have such men! At some point, I realized it was very hard to hold back from bursting into tears out loud," shared Tatyana Kashirina.

"Thank you. It’s painful, intense, and will linger for a long time. This performance cannot be watched as a recording; it must be experienced. It’s impossible to convey with words or images how the entire audience quietly sang along, swallowing tears, while standing. It would be great if this performance were repeated," said Natalia Zubkova. 

"I’m still deeply moved, remembering and crying. I couldn’t sing; there was a lump in my throat. Thank you to all the creators and participants of this performance!" said Liliya Gubareva.

Visitors of the National Centre RUSSIA are convinced that such performances are essential not only for spiritual enlightenment but also for instilling in the younger generation a sense of pride for their country, unity, and love for their Motherland.